MedEquip4Kids thanked for their contribution to new emergency paediatric unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital

MedEquip4Kids thanked for their contribution to new emergency paediatric unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital

31 March 2015

Local children’s charity MedEquip4Kids have been formally thanked for their massive contribution in equipping the new emergency paediatric unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital.

The charity which works with medical staff and other registered charities to provide equipment and improve facilities in hospitals, and to fund items known to improve the care provided to children, but not readily available within the NHS' limited budgets, were invited to a special event where the Trust thanked and accepted the support which they had given in raising over £25,000 for the unit.

MedEquip4Kids have provided a variety of medical equipment, seating, toys and distraction items to make sure the hospital’s new purpose built facility is fully kitted out and child friendly.

Over a year of fundraising saw A&E staff and their families organising bake sales, sponsored runs, a sponsored leg wax and even a trek to the Himalayas. The funds were also boosted by local groups and businesses.

Work to expand and improve the A&E department at The Royal Oldham Hospital started in 2013. The £4.4M capital investment by The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, to expand and improve the emergency department facilities at Oldham completed in summer 2014. The department has benefited from the development of separate, dedicated A&E facilities for children and young people. The new reception and waiting room for paediatrics has a transport theme with a bus, traffic lights and road markings, making a more welcoming environment for patients and young children.

The building work has also seen the completion of a new major treatment area with 11 cubicles, and two treatment rooms and the refurbishment of the eight-bedded A&E ward. A ‘state of the art’ resuscitation area has also been opened, providing seven bays, including a separate room for children. An additional x-ray room has also been built and a new corridor formed to provide improved links to the x-ray department and the main hospital building.

The A&E department at The Royal Oldham Hospital currently sees an average of 250 patients per day; approximately 91,000 patients a year. Of these, over 80 children aged under 16 are seen every day.

Dr Nick Gili, A&E Consultant and Clinical Director at The Royal Oldham Hospital, said: “The new facilities will particularly benefit children and young people, who will have new, dedicated facilities. It will also help us to plan and deliver improved urgent care services in partnership with local GPs, commissioners and other providers.”

Ghazala Baig, chief executive of MedEquip4Kids, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us to make this possible. It’s wonderful to see the unit open and the children benefiting from their separate space.”

Trust chairman John Jesky, said: “We are delighted to accept this most kind donation of equipment for use in our paediatric A&E Unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital. This donation will make such a difference to the patients and staff on the unit. The support we have received from MedEquip4Kids over the years is overwhelming, and this latest substantial donation will assist us in providing the highest standards of care for our young patients, in a suitable and comfortable environment. On behalf of the Trust I would like to thank MedEquip4Kids for once again extending their generosity to us, and say a special thank you to those who have supported MedEquip4Kids by giving so generously.”